How has BTS changed the world's perception of Korea?

People all over the world are gradually starting to recognize Korea with the explosion of Kpop through many great idol groups such as SNSD, Big Bang, Wonder Girls... and most especially BTS.

It is undeniable that BTS is still the biggest K-pop group as they have set many records and written new history in the Korean music industry. This has really brought about a worldwide phenomenon as they have become a household name in the K-pop industry, recognized everywhere.

One netizen expressed their impression of the group as BTS has changed their perception of Korea in recent years. She explained, "I think BTS is amazing because when you watch Korean travel YouTubers, everyone talks about BTS when asked where they're from and they say Korean.

The photos below were taken from a YouTube video. The tourist arrived in France and they were at a market when the merchant asked them where they were from. When the tourist said Korea, the businessman replied, "Beautiful country, BTS is from there. Then they started talking about BTS."

In addition, thousands, if not millions, of BTS fans gathered in London (UK) to see the group's billboard being released. BTS and Hyundai were released onto the iconic Piccadilly Circus billboard screen on May 31, and many fans flocked to the square to watch BTS' new promotional video on the big screen.

Other netizens commented, "This is so true, I was overseas when BTS started to gain popularity. Before, people would ask me: Are you Chinese, but now they're all Chinese Everyone said hello in Korean when they met me.

Even in 2015, I feel like people don't really know Korea. If you're Asian, they usually speak Chinese, Japanese and eventually Korean, I think a lot of people started knowing Korea thanks to BTS. A lot of people ask about BTS if you say you're from Korea."

Other netizens have also posted photos in which other travel YouTubers will travel abroad and meet foreigners. When they say they are from Korea, these foreigners will automatically ask about BTS.

It can be seen that, not only changing the perception of people around the world about Korea, BTS also sparked a debate about military service in the land of kimchi.

Accordingly, military service is extremely controversial in South Korea, where all men between the ages of 18 and 28 must serve for about two years as part of an effort to defend the Fatherland. Therefore, the fact that BTS took a break from performing to enforce this law has sparked a debate whether or not to exempt those who have made great contributions to the country from military service.

Over the years, the list of South Korean men who have gained immunity - allowed to stop serving in the military for a certain period or be allowed to serve for shorter periods - includes men who won medals at Olympics or Asian Games, musicians, dancers win top prizes at world competitions.

Under the 2019 revision of the Military Service Law, globally recognized BTS K-pop stars are allowed to cease their enforcement until the age of 30. Congress is currently debating a new amendment that would allow K-pop stars to do military training for just three weeks.

For BTS and especially for the band's oldest member, known to fans as Jin, the outcome of the congressional discussions will be crucial.

Meanwhile, the band's management company has long said that the seven BTS members always want to fulfill their obligations. Jin (29 years old) is facing the impending prospect of two years out of the public eye due to his military service when he turns 30.

For Jin and the other BTS members, waiting for the National Assembly to decide is extremely stressful and that is the main reason why they have to take a break from performing.

Yoon Sang Hyun, the legislator who proposed the amendment to include three weeks of military training for pop stars, told Reuters: "The members cited exhaustion and the need to rest as the main reason, but the reason It's actually Jin's military service."

Yoon acknowledges that the extent to which BTS elevates Korea's reputation around the world through "soft power" should be taken into account when considering their military service.

"BTS did a job that more than 1,000 diplomats have to do," Yoon admitted.

Prior to that, a Gallup poll in April 2022 showed that nearly 60% of Koreans support a bill to completely exempt successful K-pop stars from military service globally, with 33% opposed.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of National Defense has pointed out a requirement of the Constitution for all citizens to do the duty to defend the Fatherland. "Adding pop culture artists to the list of artistic and athletic talent eligible for the exemption requires careful consideration to be fair," a Defense Department official said.

Some young men also wondered about the special case for BTS. Seo Chang Jun (20 years old) said he understands why Olympic winners are exempt but is unsure about BTS's case. "The Olympic Games are a national event where all Koreans cheer for the same team but not everyone is a fan of BTS. Many people don't care about them," Seo told Reuters.

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